Guide to Voice Over Submission: Houston, Miami, and More
Given today’s technology and the ability to work remotely across the world, the doors for voice talent and actors have truly opened. Through the use of ISDN and Source-Connect, voice talent can now work from the comfort of their home studio, providing their refined skills to virtually anyone in the world. This technology has streamlined voice over submission and has allowed us at Creative Media Design to work with talent across the country.
Whether you’re located in Houston, Miami, or right here in NYC, submitting your demo and finding work is easier than ever. That is, at least when it comes to simple voice over submission. Establishing yourself as a voice talent calls for much more, but learning the rules of voice over submission will certainly be beneficial in your quest. Take a moment to learn the ins and outs of VO submission and how you could possibly land gigs with CMD.
Voice Over Submission: Developing Your Demo
Before you can start finding work as a voice talent or actor, you obviously need more than a resume. You need a quality demo that truly displays your talent. When preparing your demo to send out to agencies or producers, you should first check whether they’d like it submitted as a CD or sent in digital format. The way in which you submit your demo is often a deciding factor in getting a call back as well. If you’re sending your demo out from the West, say, Houston, experts suggest you never send an unsolicited demo. Calling an agent or producer first is always recommended, but there are plenty of other things to consider. Take a look below:
In contrast to the West, Midwest and East Coast voice experts suggest mass producing your demo and sending it out freely.
As mentioned, calling first to find out how an agent would like to receive your demo can be quite beneficial.
Following up with the agent can pay off, however, you should never ask them why you have yet to be contacted. Give them a short call or simple email, simply asking if you’d be a good fit. Don’t ask for their opinion—it can look unprofessional.
Voice Over Demos: Key Components
Of course, before you start sending out your demo, you need to ensure it’s up to par with the countless demos agents constantly receive. Without a doubt, your demo should include your best work. Runtime is also an important factor to keep in mind. Take a look at the tips below for help in creating the perfect demo for your voice over submission:
Keep the total runtime of your demo down to 1 to 1.5 minutes.
Each character or voice should only run 6 to 8 seconds. That’s about 1 or 2 sentences for each.
Include 7 to 10 different examples.
In choosing what voices to include, submit those you’re most comfortable with. Creating a list of your best stuff and narrowing it down to the aforementioned 7-10 examples is a good idea.
Random sentences aren’t ideal. Display your dedication and drive by using snippets from scripts, well-known works, or anything that helps depict the character of that voice.
In terms of order, start your demo with your best work. First impressions are key!
Ensure your demo is well recorded. Needless to say, a demo with poor sound could easily be tossed to the side.
Accepting Submissions from Houston, Chicago, and More!
Now that we’ve given you a push in the right direction, it’s time to master your demo and start submitting it to prospective agents and producers. If you think you’ve got what it takes to join CMD’s incredible voice talent, get started on your voice over submission today. As mentioned, we can work remotely with anyone, so long as you have the technology and resources to do so, whether that's Source Connect or ISDN voice over. We welcome submissions from residents of Houston, Chicago, Miami, and any other location!
You can fill out our new talent form here. If you have any questions or would like CMD to help cast and record a voice talent for your next project, give us a call at 212.213.9420. You can also contact us here.
